Donate to the End of Year Appeal!
THE INDIAN RIVER LAND TRUST MISSION
To promote the preservation, conservation and improvement of Indian River County's natural resources and special places for the benefit of the general public and future generations.
Since our inception, IRLT accomplishments include:
- South Prong Preserve Management (2008) - completed a comprehensive Management Plan and Visitor Interpretive Plan for 37-acre preserve containing ancient cypress tree forest along headwaters of St. Sebastian River.
- St. Sebastian River Greenway Map (2008) - produced full-color map of St. Sebastian River Greenway corridor highlighting the importance of "lands at risk" along headwaters of river's south prong.
- Florida Forever Legislation (2008) - participated in statewide effort to extend legislation providing $300 million dollars a year for 10 more years for the protection of environmentally important lands in Florida.
- Treasure Hammock Ranch Easement (2005 - 2007) - facilitated county project to purchase a conservation easement on the 462-acre historic, working cattle ranch containing wetlands and native wildlife.
- Padgett Creek Ranches Easements (2007) - produced extensive "baseline documentation" for over 1,600 acres of important native ranchland near Blue Cypress Lake protected by County with conservation easements.
- Agricultural Land Conservation Seminar (2007) - hosted seminar of expert speakers attended by 150 landowners and real estate professionals to learn about programs available for protection of agricultural lands.
- Gopher Tortoise Study (2007) - funded a study to determine tortoise population levels and the potential for relocating tortoises displaced by development.
- Pelican Island Elementary Field Trips (2005-07) - Coordinated and funded school trips to local conservation area to give children an appreciation for the natural Florida landscape.
- Greenprint for the Future (2005) - produced computerized map of Indian River County's most important environmentally sensitive lands.
- Environmental Land Bond Referendum (2004) - led countywide effort for passage of $50 million bond referendum approved by 67% of voters.
- McKee Botanical Garden Purchase and Restoration (2003) - a ten year, $10 million project. McKee Garden is protected with a conservation easement held by IRLT.
- Archie Carr Refuge for Sea Turtles Fund (1993) - established a fund to enable protection of Loggerhead sea turtle habitat in the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge.
